I love what this teacher has to say about the importance of reading:
A primary goal in my classroom each year is to instill in my students a love of literature. I have found one of the best ways to do that is through author studies.
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I currently teach fourth grade Reading Intervention. Students who come to me struggle with reading. Many times they already have a negative attitude toward reading because it does not come easily for them.
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Many of my students have had little exposure to quality literature, and certainly have no connection with prolific authors. I have found, though, that if a student truly enjoys one book by a particular author, he or she is much more likely to read other books by that same author. Once this connection is made, sometimes it sparks an interest in reading that eventually becomes a flame that will last a lifetime!
Thank you, Ms. H. from Albertville, AL for your dedication!!
Do you think your students would benefit from a visit and personal interaction with a published author? You, as teachers, tell the students every day about the importance of editing, revising and brainstorming, but too frequently it is only words. Being given the same information by an author who has actually been through the process of writing a book and having it published gives it more of an impact. Since my first book, According to Punkin, was released in 2006, I have had the opportunity to visit more than a hundred schools and speak with the students. The feedback I get that makes my job most rewarding is when students tell me I have inspired them to write, and when teachers tell me even their problem readers have enjoyed reading my book. Please feel free to contact me at ladygraygost@aol.com if you have any questions or comments. If you would like to order signed copies of the books, go to the store page of this website.
For copies of According to Phoenix, click http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/search.php?search=According+to+Phoenix
To order According to Punkin, click http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=1-5988643-6-X
If you would like hardcover books for the library, please contact me at ladygraygost@aol.com for reduced prices.
